Nebraska Driving Records

When it comes to navigating the road of life, Nebraska driving records act like a mirror, reflecting your performance behind the wheel. A driving history report holds real weight, influencing everything from job opportunities to insurance rates.

Like every other state, Nebraska maintains its own motor vehicle records, with access governed by specific rules unique to the state. Understanding how these records function is key to staying on top of your driving reputation and taking control of your future travels with confidence.

What Is a Nebraska Driving Record?

A Nebraska driving record, also known as a driver's record, is an official document that tracks a driver's history, including any traffic violations, convictions, and other incidents related to their time on the state's roads.

Nebraska driver records, which are available in two main types: a 5-year record and a complete record, are generally considered public documents, meaning individuals with a legitimate interest may request them, primarily from the courts. However, access to certain details may be restricted if the information is deemed sensitive or protected by law.

Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains its own records, although these have more limited access.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driver Records and Public Driving Records

State-issued driver records are considered the official source of a motorist's traffic history, but they often come with restricted access and lengthy processing times.

Public driving records, like those offered by RecordsFinder, typically bridge this gap by compiling relevant information from publicly available sources. Although RecordsFinder's reports are not official state documents, they generally provide an excellent, easy-to-use alternative for individuals who need quick and useful driving history information.

If you want a hassle-free way to review driving backgrounds, RecordsFinder is often a smart, accessible solution.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Below are some of the most common reasons you may need a copy of your driving record:

• Employment Purposes: Employers often review driving records when hiring for positions that involve operating a vehicle.
• Insurance Rate Assessment: Insurance providers use your record to set premiums and determine eligibility for coverage.
• License Renewal or Reinstatement: Some states require a driving history check before allowing license renewal or reinstatement.
• Personal Review for Accuracy: Reviewing your record assists with ensuring that there are no errors that could affect your job or insurance opportunities.
• Legal or Court Requirements: If involved in traffic violations or accidents, you may need to present your driving report in court.
• Application for Special Licenses: Special licenses, like commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), often require a clean or reviewed driving history.
• Rental or Leasing a Vehicle: Rental companies and leasing agencies may check your record before approving your application.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

While the exact contents may differ slightly between official state-issued records and third-party reports, most driver reports typically provide the following information:

• The driver's personal information (such as name, address, and driver's license number)
• Driver's license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired)
• Traffic violations (moving violations, citations, and infractions)
• Convictions for serious offenses (like hit-and-run or reckless driving)
• Accident history (including at-fault accidents, if reported)
• Points on the license (if applicable in the state's point system)
• Administrative actions (such as license suspensions or revocations)
• Court orders or restrictions (like mandatory driving courses or ignition interlock device requirements)

Types of Driver Records Available in Nebraska

The Nebraska DMV maintains two main types of driver records, each designed to meet different needs and timeframes:

• 5-Year Record: The 5-year record generally provides a snapshot of a driver's history over the last five years. This record is often sufficient for insurance quotes, employment background checks, or personal reviews.
• Complete Record: The complete driving record offers a comprehensive view of a motorist's entire driving history within Nebraska. This type of record is especially valuable for legal proceedings or thorough background checks that require a full driving history.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Nebraska

Traffic violations in Nebraska are regulated by the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Act, which outlines rules for vehicle operation and penalties for violations. Depending on the severity of the offense, drivers who break these laws may face traffic tickets, fines, court appearances, or harsher penalties.

Knowing the common types of violations and how to respond to a ticket is crucial to protect your driving privileges.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Nebraska traffic violations are generally categorized into moving and non-moving offenses and are further classified by severity into felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

Moving violations occur when the vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or driving under the influence (DUI). Non-moving violations happen when the vehicle is stationary, like parking illegally near a fire hydrant or driving with expired registration.

Felony traffic violations involve reckless, aggressive, or intentional actions that often result in serious injury, death, or significant property damage. Examples may include hit and run, DUI causing injury or death, and repeated DUI offenses.

Consequences of felony violations may include license suspension or permanent revocation, increased insurance premiums, vehicle impoundment, a criminal record, or even prison time.

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but more serious than infractions. These offenses carry penalties such as fines or jail time. Common misdemeanors include driving with a suspended or expired license, careless driving, first-time DUI, and racing on highways.

Infractions are minor violations that are not criminal offenses but still carry penalties like fines, points on your license, and potential attendance at traffic school. Common infractions include speeding, running a stop sign, using a cellphone while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

If you are issued a traffic ticket in Nebraska, it is important to handle it promptly to avoid further penalties. Here's what you should do:

• Review the Ticket: Check the violation, the fine amount, and whether you need to appear in court. If the "waiver allowed" box is checked, you may typically pay the fine without going to court.
• Paying the Ticket: Depending on the type of ticket, you may pay in several ways:
  • Online: Use the Waiverable Citation Payment System to pay the fine and a transaction fee. Payments may be made with an eCheck or a major credit card.
  • By Mail: Send a check or money order for the fine amount, with the citation number clearly written. Include a note that you are pleading guilty. Mail it to the court address listed on the citation.
  • In Person: Visit the courthouse listed on the ticket. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods and office hours.
• Appealing the Ticket: If you believe you are not guilty, you may contest the ticket and request a trial. You may meet with a prosecutor to negotiate a plea agreement or present your case in court. If found guilty, penalties may include fines, points on your record, or even a license suspension.
• Pleading No Contest: Nebraska allows a no-contest plea (nolo contendere), which avoids admitting guilt while still accepting the penalties. This plea may be used once every five years and may help avoid points on your license, but it could increase insurance premiums.
• Failure to Pay: If you do not pay by the due date, late fees or suspension of your driver's license may occur. If unable to pay on time, request a one-time extension or a payment plan from the court. Ignoring the ticket may lead to serious consequences.

How Does the Nebraska Point System Work?

In Nebraska, the point system tracks traffic violations to determine if a driver's license may be suspended or revoked. Here is how it works:

• Conviction and Points: Points are assessed as of the date of the violation. If you accumulate 12 points within two years, your driver's license will be automatically revoked under the Nebraska Point System.
• Traffic Violations: The number of points depends on the violation. For example, speeding violations add points based on how much over the speed limit you were, and whether the offense occurred on residential streets, highways, or interstate roads. Severe violations, such as DUI or leaving the scene of an accident, may add up to 12 points.
• Point Reduction: If you have fewer than 12 points, you may reduce your point total by completing a DMV-approved Driver Improvement Course. This may subtract up to two points from your record, but the course must be completed before the 12th point is added. This may only be done once every five years.
• Youth Driver Points: If you are under 18 and have accumulated three or more points in the past year, you may also complete a course for point reduction, though it will not affect the points already on your record. You will become eligible for a Class O license once you turn 18 or have fewer than three points on your record.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

The Nebraska DMV reports all traffic violations that result in a conviction on a driver's record for five years.

During this time, offenses may lead to higher insurance premiums and may affect job opportunities that require a clean driving history. Keeping your record clear is important to avoid long-term consequences.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In Nebraska, it is possible to expunge or seal certain traffic violations, but only under specific circumstances. An expungement involves removing all criminal history record information related to a case. Under Nebraska Revised Statutes 29-3523, a traffic violation may be expunged or sealed if the defendant was acquitted, pardoned, or if charges were never formally filed.

However, Nebraska does not allow full expungement for adult offenders who are convicted of traffic violations. Instead, a conviction may only be "set aside".

When a court sets aside a conviction, it means the court acknowledges that the individual has completed their sentence or probation. The original conviction remains on the public record, but a note is added showing that the conviction was set aside.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

You may check your official Nebraska driving history in three ways: online, in person, or by mail.

• Online Requests: The fastest method is using the Nebraska DMV's One-Time Driver License Search Application. You will need to provide your full name, driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. After completing the request, your driving record will be mailed to the address you specified during the process.
• In-Person Requests: You may also request your driving history at a local Nebraska DMV office. To do this, complete the "Application for Copy of Driving Record" form and submit it to the office.

• Mail Requests: To request your driving record by mail, fill out the same form above. Submit the completed form, the appropriate fee for each record requested, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

  Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles

  Driver and Vehicle Records Division

  301 Centennial Mall South

  P.O. Box 94789

  Lincoln, NE 68509-4789

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, obtaining a driver's record costs $7.50. Online requests allow payment by credit card or electronic check. In-person requests at DMV offices accept cash, check, money order, or credit/debit cards. For mail requests, payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Online records are processed quickly, while in-person requests are completed during the visit. Mail requests may take longer due to mailing and internal processing times.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

To check your driving history for free in Nebraska, you may use the DMV's free online tool. This allows you to verify your driver's license status, including points and SR22 filing. You will need to provide your license or Social Security number, last name, and date of birth.

Additionally, you may visit the court where a traffic case was filed to review your traffic records. Under the Nebraska Public Records Law, there is no fee to search or examine the records, though charges may apply for copies or certification.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

In Nebraska, a "bad" driving record typically refers to a history of traffic violations that accumulate points on your record, particularly if the points approach or exceed certain thresholds. A bad record may result from violations such as speeding, reckless driving, or DUI.

Moving violations like speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield typically add points to your record, while non-moving violations (such as parking tickets) do not affect your driving record or points. However, repeated violations, even non-moving ones, may signal poor driving habits to insurers and lead to higher premiums.

As for warnings, these do not go on your driving record. Warnings are issued by law enforcement to alert drivers of violations without consequences on their driving history.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record may significantly impact both insurance rates and employment opportunities. After a Nebraska speeding ticket, for example, insurance premiums increase by an average of $243 per year, raising the total to about $1,427 annually. This makes drivers with poor records a higher risk for insurers.

Additionally, employers, especially those hiring for driving-related jobs, may view a bad driving history as a liability, potentially affecting job opportunities or promotions.

Who Can Access Your Nebraska Driving History?

In Nebraska, who may access your driving history depends on where the record is held. Under the Public Records Law, traffic records maintained by the courts may be accessed and copied by the public, unless prohibited by law or court rule.

However, the DMV driving records are subject to the Nebraska Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act and the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). These laws restrict access to the individual driver, those with the driver's written consent, and certain exempted entities, but not the general public.

FAQs About Nebraska Driving Records

Below, you will find answers to common inquiries regarding Nebraska driving records.

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